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Geek Love

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989

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Book Brief

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Katherine Dunn

Geek Love

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989
Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Geek Love by Katherine Dunn is the memoir of Olympia "Oly" Binewski, an albino hunchback dwarf, who recounts the story of her family of carnival "freaks" engineered by her parents through the use of illicit drugs and radiation. The narrative alternates between the family's past traveling with their carnival, the Binewski Fabulon, and Oly's present-day life in Portland, detailing the rise and fall of her brother Arty's cult called Arturism. Themes of manipulation, abuse, and devotion are explored amidst the family's unique dynamics and struggles.

Dark

Unnerving

Mysterious

Gritty

Melancholic

Reviews & Readership

4.1

72,750 ratings

72%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Geek Love by Katherine Dunn has been praised for its darkly imaginative storyline and unique characters, offering a deeply engrossing yet unsettling experience. Critics admire Dunn's ability to craft a narrative that is both bizarre and compelling. However, some reviewers find the content too disturbing and the pacing uneven. Overall, it remains a unique and thought-provoking read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Geek Love?

A reader who would enjoy Katherine Dunn's Geek Love is likely fascinated by dark, unconventional narratives and character-driven stories. Fans of Chuck Palahniuk's Fight Club or the eerie family dynamics in Jeffrey Eugenides's The Virgin Suicides will appreciate this novel's exploration of human oddities and complex relationships.

4.1

72,750 ratings

72%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

10%

Not a fan

Character List

Olympia Binewski (Oly)

The protagonist and narrator, Oly, is a member of a traveling carnival family, born as an albino hunchback dwarf. She navigates complex family dynamics while managing roles that include peacemaker and show assistant.

Arty, known as Aqua Boy in his act, is the oldest Binewski sibling, born with flippers instead of limbs. He becomes a leader within his family and the founder of a unique belief system followed by a cult.

Al is the father of the Binewski family, who runs the carnival and is driven by the idea of creating extraordinary children through unconventional means.

Lil, the mother of the Binewski children, ran away to join the carnival and became known for her sideshow act. She later participates in Al's plans to produce exceptional offspring despite the toll it takes on her health.

Iphy is one half of the conjoined twins, known for her gentle nature and strong bond with her twin sister, Elly.

Elly is the other half of the conjoined twins, possessing a sharp tongue and an inseparable attachment to her sister Iphy.

Chick is the youngest Binewski sibling, seemingly normal but with powerful telekinetic abilities that significantly influence the family dynamic.

A wealthy and mysterious woman, Miss Lick's life mission involves altering young women's appearances to enhance their intellectual and professional potential.

Miranda is Oly's daughter and an art student with a hidden family history, who unknowingly reflects traits of her unusual heritage through her art.

Horst is a devoted worker in the Binewski carnival, known for his care of the animal acts and his loyalty to the Binewski family.

Sanderson is a reporter drawn into the carnival's world while covering the Arturans, providing an outsider's perspective on the carnival's unique lifestyle.

Book Details
Pages

368

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

United States • 20th century

Theme
Publication Year

1989

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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